Only 27 days out from Rio, Nelson cyclist George Bennett has just been named in the kiwi olympic cycling team.
George, who is currently competing in the Tour de France, was named on the team earlier this morning.
George will be making his Olympic debut as the only New Zealand rider in the men’s road race.
He is a noted climber which will be a key asset on a course in Rio that is reported so tough that the likes of world champion Peter Sagan has decided not to race.
New Zealand has only won seven cycling medals at the Olympics but this years team are hoping to boost that statistic.
New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith passed on her congratulations and commended the strong team heading to the Olympic Games.
“The athletes confirmed are a very strong group, considering both results in recent years and current form.
“We wish these riders confirmed for Rio all the very best in the final run up to the Games and know they can take confidence from several world championship titles and exceptional form across the board in recent years.”
The New Zealand Olympic cycling team includes:
George Bennett
Eddie Dawkins
Ethan Mitchell
Sam Webster
Linda Villumsen
Natasha Hansen
Piet Bulling
Regan Gough
Dylan Kennett
Aaron Gate
Hayden Roulston
Rushlee Buchanan
Jaime Nielsen
Racquel Sheath
Olivia Podmore
Lauren Ellis
Georgia Williams
Sam Gaze
